Medical travel insurance tips

Tips for taking out medical travel insurance

Since June 1, 2004, it is mandatory in all Schengen countries to take out travel medical insurance before applying for a Schengen visa. The tips below are important if you want to take out travel insurance for a foreign guest:

Tip 1. Make sure that the guarantor is also the policyholder

Do you guarantee your foreign guest or partner? Then take out the medical travel insurance yourself and send the policy to the visa applicant by e-mail. The travel insurance is also for your financial protection. After all, you are financially responsible for any medical costs and these can be significant. If you take out a policy, we advise you to ensure that you are the policyholder (premium payer) and your guest is the insured. The advantage of this is that any damage payment will also be transferred to you and not to your guest's bank account.

Tip 2. Take out Schengen insurance with a Dutch insurer

With a Dutch travel insurer you are subject to Dutch law. Dutch insurers are subject to strict supervision and are usually more reliable than foreign insurers. That is a nice idea at high costs. You can also tell your story in your own language if you have questions or problems and you do not have to call abroad.

Tip 3. Check whether you will get the premium back in the event of a negative visa decision

A visa may be rejected. In that case, you would like a refund of the premium for the medical Schengen insurance. Not all insurers do that, so keep that in mind.

Tip 4. Check whether the medical travel insurance meets all Schengen requirements

The European Union sets the following requirements for travel medical insurance for a visa application:

• The validity of this travel insurance must be equal to the total visa period.
• The travel insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries (minimum Europe coverage).
• The travel insurance must cover repatriation costs and medical costs.
• The cover for medical costs must be at least € 30.000.

Tip 5. Be aware of what your foreign guest is and is not insured for

Travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa is only intended for emergency medical care. Existing diseases and ailments are excluded. Does your guest take any medication? Then make sure that he or she brings enough stock to the Netherlands.

Tip 6. Get the policy quickly

Of course you don't feel like having to wait weeks for a policy, especially if your guest has an appointment at the Dutch embassy soon.

Tip 7. Let your guest take the policy with them on their trip

Does your guest already have a Schengen visa? Then make sure that he or she always carries copies of the supporting documents and the insurance policy. A Schengen visa does not give an automatic right of entry to the Schengen area. During border control, the Marechaussee can ask again to provide all information and/or to submit documents.